March and things

March and things

Tomorrow March marches in! Nice word play here :-)  February was a very interesting month for me.  A pattern of daily events regulated the month and then slowly changed as the month ended. This was mainly a result of teaching at the Institute ending and my bike being stolen, which changed my mobility very quickly.

Jan and Arancha had a well earned holiday in the south of France at a ski resort. Unfortunately some stupid snowboarder hit Arancha and broke a bone in her shoulder. Get well soon Arancha! Later Jan packed his bags and left for the north of Mumbai, where he is working as assistant to the boss of the project.

It is a test for Jan. The company wants to see how he deals with such a project. They could have asked me. I would have told them, "Brilliantly", and so he could have stayed at home and looked after Arancha's shoulder. The perfect solution!

I had visitors from England, as I hope you read from recent posts. I was elected as auditor to our Berlin teacher's association, I wrote some book reviews and now have to review a book to teach Hindi to Germans, written in German. Not bad and I get to keep the book! The rest you know from reading my blog and of course I know you do this regularly - oder?

Looking into March I can see a number of concerts. One is of a local  amateur orchestra, in addition to Angelika's gang at the Komische Oper. There are some teacher workshops, walks with 'Oldie' and perhaps other groups, and my regular training, computer and Photoshop gang meetings. And --- planning and booking some flights, but more of that as the month progresses.

Who has a birthday in March? Not many, so let's toast my equipment. My MacBook will be 3 years old on the 19th. My Asus Eee PC will be 3 year old on the 20th ........doesn't anyone have a birthday? A yes, Günter will be a year older on 22 March as will Bernd in Bernau on the 28th March. That's it! Happy Birthday to you and to my equipment :-) Have a great day!

I'm going to a add a photo of a view in Palm Springs in the USA. It was taken by Herr P. who is one of my private students. He is currently on a business and private visit to a number of cities/events in the USA. I was amazed at how a snow covered mountain range could emerge from a semi-desert. We don't have such things in Berlin!

Ikea Spring

Winter or Spring?

When I got home today, after training and Radiologie, I found a catalogue from the nice people at Ikea. I wonder if they know something I don't?

It's all full of Spring items such as flowers, garden furniture and brightly coloured plates and glasses.

Here we are still in the grip of winter minus temperatures, you only go out when you must, no-one sits in a garden, and neither do they sit around with brightly coloured plates and glasses.

What can this all mean?  Absolutely nothing, or that the PR Department of Ikea has some way of seeing into the future denied to the rest of us?

Have you got this rubbish through your letterbox, and are you now stocking up on 'spring things' at Ikea?

Bon Voyage 2

Bon Voyage 2


 Who else is leaving? Tomorrow morning Frau Pirow is leaving. She is my neighbour. She lives in the flat under mine. I'm rather sad about this for we have got to know each other well lately.

I posted about her earlier,  when I went to her 92nd birthday party. Here is a photo I took at the time. She looked just the same this morning when she knocked on my door.

She had come to say, 'Goodbye'.  A few days earlier she had left a little bag with two bottles of beer (can I hear Jan's voice at the mention of Bier?) two chocolate blocks - milk and plain flavour - and a very nice card.

On the card she wrote, ' Dear Mr O'Dwyer, many thanks for your help and friendliness. You were a very nice neighbour. Best wishes - Frau Pirow.' She wrote in German. so this is my translation.  Isn't it from the heart?

She held my hand as she talked. and confessed to feeling sad. I can understand her, but she is going to a special home for the elderly with hearing and sight problems. In terms of health and provision, it is the best for her.

I can hear a 'but' coming on .... But, I can understand her concern that it means she can't look after herself as she moves into the final stage of her life. I shall miss her, and wonder who I shall get as a new neighbour.

That could be interesting.  I have the same lawyer who helped me to remove Herr Hein last summer. Watch this space!

Bon Voyage 1

Bon Voyage 1

Counting the hours down until Ian and Birgit leave Germany to start the first leg of their adventures in an easterly direction!

I had a really memorable evening with them yesterday. We quickly got down to the business of communication. Birgit was also very pleased with Ian's construction of their first blog, so this time I showed her how it all worked.

She very quickly took over and not only added a post to my blog, but made some changes to their new blog. Quick learner!

I took some photos of them. We finally settled on one of them not looking into camera, but at something they shared. This was the best.  I agreed with their decision to add it to the heading of their new blog.

After a number of other techie things, we wandered to a local 'real' Italian restaurant. We've eaten there before. I remembered as soon as we entered. A classic evening of good food, wine, humour and conversation.

In arguing about who pays the bill, I lost. But I accepted their offer to pay for a meal in Beijing. Wow, they meant it. I am now thinking into the future and wondering how, when etc about flying there late summer. Watch this space.

I've added a photo of Birgit with a glass of Rotkappchen Sekt. Why? Because she gave me permission, and just in case Trish reads this post! It's our Zum Wohl to you Trish!

Saturday Talent

 Saturday Talent

Ian and Birgit are visiting friends in Berlin until Thursday when the fly off into the distant east.  Ian called and asked if he could come over so I could help him to set up a blog. No problem - said I.

He wants to use a blog to keep in touch with family - friends in all corners of the world. Rather like me - and I still don't know who reads my blog in Russia. Hello, add a comment, let us know who you are! Your name doesn't begin with Pu... does it :-)

We discussed the basics and that most of the work is in taking, editing and reducing photos for a blog. Writing and uploading them does not take so much time. Like me, Ian can type so we don't need to spend and hour with two fingers raised over the keys plonking away.

I took these photos just to get them started. I then added a link to their blog at the bottom left of this blog.
Quick, quick .... Mike, Sylvia, Tony, Rita,Trish, Usma etc. click on my link then when their blog opens, add it to your Bookmarks list!

Proud of you Ian for jumping into the world of 'blogging' so easily yesterday! Of course lots of work such as a new header photo with both of you, but a great start.

Friday talent

 Friday Talent

Last Friday I went to my 'Leg and Back Training for Oldies', as usual. All were present. Usually someone is ill, or on holiday, or visiting grandchildren. We did some different stretching exercises. I felt much better as I left to go to my 'Photoshop Gang'.

What a nice surprise when I arrived. Frau Schröder had baked some cakes, some small savoury/savory tarts and piroshki/pirozhki. They are baked or fried fruit or meat turnovers. Frau Schröder made them with meat and a mushroom filling. They are very popular in Russia and Poland. Mmmmh....delicious! Here is a photo of Helga and some pirozhki.

I found a copy of my work from last week in my file on the computer. I have now posted it here. It is called 'JohnsHeli'.

Do you like my new means of transport? I decided to change the design of the sky - looks better with my new purchase.

Stefan had taken some new photographs for background and image work, so we started on them.

I selected a shot into the sunrise, from the Oberbaumschule Brücke over the river Spree toward Treptower Park. On the left of the shot was 'east' and of the right was 'west' Berlin. I decided to put Karl on both sides!

Potsdam visit

Potsdam visit

Yesterday morning Sarah and Reena had a relaxing breakfast at their hotel then went on a tour of the main tourist places in the centre of Berlin. We met up in the early afternoon and caught a Regional Bahn to Potsdam. Reena really liked the local double decker red trains = Regional Bahn.

During their stay in Berlin, we had cold weather but with blue skies and sun shine. Fortunately, they read my earlier e-mail warning them of the cold weather, and came with suitable warm clothes. They needed them in Potsdam!

Reena is very interested in the history of Berlin, and its area, so it was important to take her to Potsdam. We caught a bus to Schloss Sancousci then walked around this small palace and its gardens. I took a number of photos as I told them something about Frederick the Great, and they saw his grave just outside his small palace.

We walked through part of the gardens then turned back towards the centre. I showed them the other Brandenburg Gate = in the old centre of Potsdam. There is another and more famous one in Berlin! We then walked along Brandenburg Straße, where they stopped for 'Kaffe und Kuchen' in the traditional German way. You can see them waving in this street.

We made our way slowly back to the railway station where we took an S-Bahn back to Berlin. We got out at Charlottenburg. I took them to the institute where I teach on the Ku-damm, then around the corner to a traditional German restaurant. They really enjoyed the atmosphere and food.


Today they finished their visits to tourist sites and museums in the morning. We met on the train to the airport this afternoon. See photo of them with the sign Flughafen Schönefeld, and another double decker red train that Reena liked so much. I took another photo as they walked under the glass covered walk-way from the railway station to the airport.

 In all the excitement of farewells I forgot to take a pic of them entering the check-in area. Then they were gone with lots of waves and happy smiles. They are driving home to London as I write this and now have to think about work tomorrow.


 Happy memories of a short but very pleasant visit to Berlin. I shall miss taking you around parts of the city. Come back in summer when it is warmer and all is green. It all looks very different then!

Berlin visit

Berlin visit

Sarah and Reena fled hectic life in London to find a couple of days rest in Berlin.

This is Sarah's fifth visit and she speaks German. She had German at school and has kept it up. It is Reena's first visit and she can't speak German.

I met them today at 9:10am at Schönefeld Airport. They had left London, at some unspeakable hour in the night, to go to a  provincial airport and catch a Ryanair flight to Berlin. I think this must rank as the worst airline in Europe. I only fly this airline when there is no option but a 48 hour journey on a dog sleigh in minus 50 temperature!



They arrived beaming and happy, as you can see. We then got information for them at the tourist desk, travel tickets and then off to the station to catch the regional train to Karlshorst - where I live.  You can see them arriving in a photo.

We then went to my flat so they could relax. I took some photos of them in the garden and having a mid-morning breakfast. You can see another photo of them at our late breakfast. We had a great time recalling the 25 years we have known each other. I forgot to welcome them to my flat with a glass of 'Rotkäppchen' Sekt. This is a German type of Champagne.




We slowly moved back to the station and took an S-Bahn and eventually arrived at Friedrichstrasse. We then took an U-Bahn to a stop near their hotel. It is new and very 'modern' in it architecture and style. I was curious so went into the hotel with them. Very nice welcome at the reception - in good English - then into the lift to their room.

 I took some photos of them. Sarah looked tired and she was worried that she may be starting with a cold - or worse. I hope not!  So, I left them to relax and explore the inner area of the city later. Tomorrow afternoon we plan to go to Potsdam. Watch this space for more info - and photos! Here are 4 of the 12 photos I took to document their arrival in Berlin.

No photoshop post

No Photoshop Photo Post

This morning I had a good session with Kerstin and the 'oldie' back and leg gang. I felt much better after and can move my back more, after the third disc came out of my spine and hit my nerves running down the right side of my spine. Very technical I know. Forget all that detail - I just feel better!

Then I went to the high spot of my week = The Photoshop Gang with Stefan. We had a good chat over coffee and then heard that three of our group would not be with us. Familie Schröder is still suffering from flu, but we then got news that Herr Müller was in a special heart hospital in the north of Berlin. He had a major problem with an artery into his heart and it was very serious. Gute Besserung to each and all, but we were all very concerned about Herr Müller's health.

We then did some interesting work on colours and patterns to change the sky in a picture, and we played around and added different skies to photos. I saved the work then copied to my stick. At home I transferred the photos from the stick to my computer.  Something was wrong!  The photos I had copied in the class were not available on my stick. Oh, no!

We had all kinds of problems with my computer at the end of the class, so perhaps that played a part in not having copied to my stick. I shall have to go over this again with Stefan next week. I wonder why this happened. It has never happened before!

Here is a nice photo, instead of my Photoshop pic of 'John's Heli'. Hope to post it next next week!

Next week

Next week

Back to normal life next week. My 'die Grippe' is now part of history. Thanks to those who contacted me to wish me 'gute Besserung'.

Tomorrow I start the day with teaching a 1:1, then I have been invited for lunch by an ex-student. Later I have my first appointment with a new allergy doctor then I end the day with more teaching.

On Tuesday I am going to my new training centre. My back and legs tell me they need some exercise! In the afternoon, a friend is coming over who I haven't seen for about six months. They are bringing the cakes - I am just providing the coffee! Later I have another teaching appointment.

Wednesday and Thursday teaching at the institute, my Computer Gang, my German lesson and so on. I shall spare you more details for you can see that life goes back to normal.

Tomorrow is also a return to normality for Jan and Arancha. They were in the south of France last week skiing. They sent me an  e-mail saying all was well and Arancha had passed her beginners test. Congratulations Arancha!

Yesterday was a long express bus drive back to Amsterdam. I expect they will be catching up on sleep today and getting ready for study/work tomorrow.

UPDATE: Tuesday evening.
The week has started well and I was really happy about how I felt after training this morning. I'm looking forward to the weekend when I shall guide two friends from London around Berlin. They are over on a quick weekend break. Should be fun.

Guess who I found on one of my communication systems? Who is it?  The little boy is not hers. Very nice A!

Ozland

Ozland

In a recent post I wrote about readers of my blog and where they come from. I cannot identify each visitor personally, nor would I want to. I can only see how many 'hits' per day, or week, and from which countries they come from.

I got e-mails from Peter in Ozland, and Paul in NZ, saying they were adding my blog to their Bookmarks for ease of access. Brother Daniel, also in Ozland, hasn't said anything yet. Wakey, wakey Daniel! Collectively they are known as the Bateson 'lads' from 'Cas-Vegas'. Welcome each and all.

I then looked on the web for an appropriate image and found this. It is of the Sidney harbour bridge and opera house. I think it must have been taken at some celebration for there is a light show on the bridge.

Even so, a nice shot and lots of blue sky. Just what we need here as we struggle through the gray of winter.

Tigers

Tigers going for a walk

You see some very strange things when you are a tiger and go for a walk with your partner. Look what these two found.

Look at the sky, and those men offering something in an urn. What can it all mean?

Fantasy world is the answer. All created last Friday at my Photoshop Gang meeting.

The main object of the lesson was to learn how to make the feet appear to come out of the water. How many layers are there here Jan and Geoff?

We had a great afternoon, as usual. Next week we plan to go into parts of Berlin with cameras and collect photos for new backgrounds and objects.

Visit my blog again for more 'Fantasy Worlds' ..... and perhaps a tiger or three!

Computer Gang

Computer Gang

Yesterday I was feeling better, so I joined my computer gang.  Can I hear you asking who they are?  I am sure I have talked about them before, but you may have forgotten.

About a year ago, I saw and advert outside a community centre, which is around the corner from where I live. It gave information about a new course for 'Seniors' who wanted to learn how to use a computer. I can do that but I told some other 'Oldies' who couldn't, and went with them for support.

I liked the group, and Ines the teacher, and am still part of the gang. We recently moved to the teaching rooms where Ines works. She is The Boss in the computer section of the HTW (Technical High School) which recently moved to a new campus.

 It is part of a large college complex on the north bank of the river Spree. All of that area used to be factories. Herr Siemens opened his first factory there!



After reunification (20 years ago) the factories began to close and it looked like an industrial wasteland, hence takeover of the HTW to breath new life into the complex.

I took a photograph of part of the complex from the window of the room where we have our lessons. You can clearly see that it was an old industrial site.

There are only a few of us now, but we are always looking for new Oldies to join. There is one photo of the room looking towards the teachers area with overhead projector and all other controls. And there is one of me! I'm holding the 'Baby Asus'.

Last week I posted that I was having some problems of compatibility between the Xubuntu OS and using Skype. No longer and the solution was easy.

I had forgotten to switch on a control button for microphones. Nothing else, so I tested it with another student and it works okay. I have now thrown it into my suitcase for I only use it when travelling outside Berlin.

die Grippe

die Grippe - and other things

Ich habe die Grippe :-((    

I felt progressively worse yesterday. I didn't feel too good at the AGM, but yesterday it was clear that I was starting with the flu/influenza/die Grippe. I hardly slept all night and so went to my Dr this morning. He confirmed my diagnosis and gave me antibiotic tablets. I had some throat lozenges and greasy stuff to rub into my chest, but I think the antibiotics will sort out my Grippe.


I cancelled all my appointments until Thursday, so now I have finished off one book, made lots of telephone calls, and done some computer work for the teachers communication internet page. I have a book to review and a set of practice activities for younger learners. I'll do that tomorrow after I have slept well and won't make any mistakes - I hope!

Got a nice plan from Jan of where he and Arancha are now skiing. They are in Les Arcs in the very south of France. I did a Google Map check and found it is only 30km south-west of Claviers. This is where friends live, and I have been invited to stay in early June. What a coincidence!

I also got an e-mail from Paul in NZ, saying he has added my blog address to his browser window so he can keep an easy check on updates and news. Thanks Paul - that is very nice of you!


I've also just contacted Daniel in Brazil to get details of when he is coming to Berlin at the end of February.  Sarah and Reena are also visiting then, so I hope they don't clash.

What else? Yes, Fran's cataract removal and Lynne's hip operation were successful. Big sighs of relief there! P&L are still swanning around the med in a cruise ship, B&R are back from a holiday in Spain, and I&B in London are busy packing bags for the move to Beijing, where I hope they will have more time to read my blog:-)  Interesting times!

Now where did I put my apples? I remember that, 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Let's see if it works!

eltabb AGM 2011

eltabb AGM 2011

ELTABB means English Language Teachers' Association of Berlin and Brandenburg and I helped to found it 16 years ago. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place yesterday afternoon.




In the morning there was a workshop given by two members about teaching phonetics, and differences between USA and GB pronunciation. Very informative, We then had lunch and relaxed before the AGM.

Any AGM is purely for business and many people find it not too exciting. Even so, we had a good turnout and covered all the business points within the allotted time period. This included reports and election of new officials.



The atmosphere was friendly and supportive all day.  It was a pleasure to be there. We elected a new  Treasurer, and I was elected to be one of the two auditors. I was Treasurer for three years and have been auditor twice.




It will be interesting to see what the new Board does this year. The last Board took us through a change from paper to digital newsletter and a new communicative platform. We dropped the e-mail platform we had used from our second year.

Che visit

Che visit

Last Friday, at the Photoshop Gang session, we learnt how to make images appear to enter water or air.

I chose my old friend Confucius and the Oberbaumbrücke, which crosses the River Spree and used to link west to east Berlin.

I decided to colour his arrival in the water, then decided to show his entry path. Finally, I added an image of Che Guevara as an observer of Confucius' arrival in Berlin. Why both of them?

Che and Confucius have much in common in term of ideas of social justice, discipline and social organisation, although separated by more than two thousand years.  Check it out for yourself.


Adding colour was my idea, but I rather like the result. It was all unexpected.